This week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday DJ spotlight, presented by QSC, shines on Kate Woolley a/k/a DJ WILDFLOWER from Perth, Australia.
DJ WILDFLOWER is this week’s DJ LIFE Mobile Monday spotlight. Presented by QSC, Kate Woolley a/k/a DJ WILDFLOWER is a mobile DJ, based out of Perth, Australia.
Coming to you all the way from Perth, Australia, DJ LIFE sat down with Kate Woolley, also known as DJ WILDFLOWER of Wildflower Productions, to discuss all things mobile DJ and beyond. As a lifelong music obsessive, being a DJ wasn’t always on Kate’s radar – until it was. Watching how the DJ controlled music and shaped the atmosphere, Woolley was immediately drawn in.
From there, Kate has since been able to turn a hobby – and her eclectic musical palette – into her career. Upon our discussion with Woolley, we dive deeper into what her current DJ setup consists of, some of the biggest pros and cons of her profession, the impact being a mobile DJ has on her personal and family life, and much more.
When DJ LIFE spoke with Kate regarding all things mobile DJ, here’s how it went down…
DJ LIFE: Can you tell us about your current DJ setup?
DJ WILDFLOWER: My standard setup includes two CDJ-3000s and a DJM-A9 Mixer, with the option to add a third deck for larger shows. When traveling, I’ll often use a Pioneer RX3 controller for convenience, but I prefer CDJs as they offer more flexibility and are more fun to play on.
For sound, I use an all-QSC audio setup tailored to the event space. In smaller venues, I run two QSC K.2 Series speakers on poles, adding QSC KS112 subwoofers when needed. There’s bit of a misconception that subs make an event “too loud,” but in reality, they allow for better sound distribution at lower levels without overloading the main speakers creating a fuller, more balanced sound.
DJ LIFE: What would your perfect or dream setup look like?
DJ WILDFLOWER: In all honesty, I have my dream setup, but it’s taken over a decade to build up! I started with a little Traktor S4, upgraded to a bigger DJ console, then moved to CDJ-2000s, and now I’m on CDJ-3000s with a DJM-A9 mixer.
From a production perspective, I’d love to incorporate more trussing and dynamic party lighting to elevate the visual experience. But in reality, my setup has to be as practical as it is powerful—whatever fits in the SUV is what makes it to the gig!
DJ LIFE: What are some of the biggest pros and cons of being a mobile DJ?
DJ WILDFLOWER: Hands down the biggest opportunity is the variety! One night I’m playing a high-energy corporate function, the next a private milestone event, and then a VIP party. Every gig is different, which keeps things exciting and constantly challenges me to adapt.
Of course, being mobile has its downsides—not all venues are designed with events in mind. Loading docks aren’t always available, and sometimes it means hauling gear over lawns, up staircases, or through tight spaces at the end of the night. But it’s all part of the job, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
DJ LIFE: How has being a DJ impacted your personal/family life?
DJ WILDFLOWER: Before becoming a DJ, I worked as an event manager, and my first job was in hospitality—so nights and weekends have always been part of my world. So in that sense, not much has changed!
What has made a huge difference is having my husband as my production manager—my behind-the-scenes wingman. He helps with setup and pack-down, which means I can put all my energy into performing instead of exhausting myself before the gig even starts. It’s a pretty unique setup, and I don’t take for granted how lucky I am to have that support!
DJ LIFE: How did you get started as a DJ?
DJ WILDFLOWER: When I finished school, being a DJ wasn’t even on my radar—I never saw it as something accessible, and definitely not a career goal. But I’ve always been obsessed with music—curating mixtapes, going to clubs and festivals to hear DJs and live music.
When I was working as an event manager, I’d watch DJs at events and feel a little jealous—I wanted to be the one controlling the music and shaping the atmosphere. Eventually, I started learning, taking on small gigs, and within 5 years, my part-time hobby became my full-time career.
DJ LIFE: What is the most important life lesson you have gained from your experience as a DJ?
DJ WILDFLOWER: Growing up, the music in my household wasn’t commercial—I was surrounded by indie rock, dance, and alternative electronic. I had to develop an appreciation for mainstream and popular music over time, and in doing so, I built a really eclectic musical palette.
Now, I’m incredibly open-minded when it comes to new sounds—whether it’s Bollywood, Afrobeat, Latin, or anything in between. Good music is good music.